What would I have to do in college if I wanted to become a railroad conductor, for say, Amtrak?

Question

I am interested in becoming a railroad conductor...Just curious what I have to do as far as my education goes. Any first hand experience/advice? Please share. Thanks.

Answer 1

All you need as far as education goes, is a high school diploma or equivalent.  Everything else, the railroad will teach you.  Just go to the Amtrak website, and check on careers, and it should tell you how to apply.

Answer 2

You need to check out a railroad's website, perhaps Norfolk and Southern or CSX.  Most large railroads now only hire folks who've completed a conductor's training program.  CSX, for example, have them in several different locations including Atlanta, Cincinnati and Huntington, WV.  You spend about 8 weeks learning th basics, and then once you get hired you train with a qualified conductor for about 12 more weeks.  And with these programs, there is a 98% placement rate.  Basically if you pass the coursework and are not doing drugs, you're hired.

Answer 3

they have their own training program . you need to contact the company and see what you need in terms of education to qualify in order to become a conductor

Answer 4

Right now railroads are so desperate for good workers they will hire just about anyone who will show up reliably for work, no college or other post high school attendance required.  Even my 63 year old aunt was just solicited by Union Pacific for some clerical job they wanted her for, she didn't even apply for anything with the UP.

I started at the Canadian Pacific in St. Paul, MN as a roundhouse laborer and within 6 months I applied for a conductor's position and got the job.  They put me through their own training program and passed the grueling exam with flying colors.  Then if you stay in the position for 1 year you are automatically eligable for an engineer's position of you want it.  Hope this helps.

Kevin Kaas